A Mercedes-Benz, a chauffeur in a suit, and a driver who has been DBS checked and PCO licensed for years. The photograph at the door is the point — everything behind it is arranged so that parents need not think about it.
— No. 01 · Prom Car Hire in Essex
Prom night matters more to the people involved than adults tend to remember. The arrival is the part everyone photographs, and it is worth getting right — but the part that actually matters to parents is the hour before and the hour after, and whether the person driving is someone you would trust with your child.
Travel in Style Essex is a single-chauffeur operation. Jamie Gifford holds an enhanced DBS certificate, a clean PCO licence, full hire-and-reward insurance and an advanced RoSPA driving qualification, and he conducts every journey himself. There is no pool of drivers and no subcontracting. The person who answers the telephone is the person who arrives at the door.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the usual choice for a group — seven seats, executive cabin, starlight headliner, and enough room that nobody arrives creased. For a single arrival, or for a couple who want the photograph, the S-Class is the quieter and more classical option.
Timings are agreed in advance with whoever is organising, and held to. We arrive at the collection address early, allow time for photographs before departure, and — where a return leg is booked — are outside the venue at the agreed hour rather than somewhere in a queue of taxis.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class · Travel in Style Essex
Enhanced DBS certificate, clean PCO licence, full hire-and-reward insurance and RoSPA advanced driver qualification. Documentation available to any parent who asks.
No driver pool, no subcontracting. Jamie conducts every journey personally — the person you speak to is the person who turns up.
We arrive early and the car stays put while photographs are taken, at the house and at the venue. Nobody is hurried into the back seat.
Where a return leg is arranged, the car is outside at the agreed time rather than somewhere in a rank. Parents are messaged on departure.
— No. 02 · How Prom Bookings Work
Prom bookings are almost always made by a parent, and the details that matter to them are not the same as the details that matter to the passenger. We handle both, and we are happy to speak to whichever adult is coordinating.
Seven seats with executive cabin and starlight headliner. The S-Class seats four and suits a single or couple's arrival.
Essex prom season concentrates into a handful of June and July evenings. Popular dates go early — book well ahead where you can.
No alcohol is carried or permitted for passengers under 18, without exception. Refreshments are soft, and that is not negotiable.
— No. 03 · How a Journey Unfolds
Your booking is confirmed in writing within the hour. We note your flight number, terminal, passenger count, and any particular requirements — luggage, accessibility, or a preference for a quieter cabin.
From the moment of confirmation, your flight is placed under continuous monitoring. Delays, gate changes, and early arrivals are absorbed without conversation — the schedule adjusts quietly.
The vehicle is cleaned, fuelled, and prepared personally. Refreshments are arranged. A confirmation message is sent when your chauffeur is en route.
For outbound journeys, the car arrives at your address ahead of schedule. Luggage is loaded. Your route has been planned — alternatives identified. There is nothing left to arrange.
For inbound journeys, your chauffeur is present in the arrivals hall from the moment your flight lands — name board in hand. Waiting time for delayed flights is included at no charge.
— No. 04 · Tariff
Prom hire is quoted individually — the fare depends on the collection address, the venue, the vehicle, and whether a return leg is included.
— What Is Included
Enhanced DBS, PCO licence, hire-and-reward insurance and RoSPA advanced qualification — copies provided on request, without being asked twice.
The car arrives early and waits. Photographs at the house and at the venue are part of the booking, not an imposition on it.
A message on collection and a message on arrival, to whichever adult booked. No wondering where anybody is.
— No. 05 · From Those Who Have Travelled With Us
"I booked as a 60th birthday treat for my husband — Thailand for Christmas and his birthday. I wanted him to arrive in style, and that is exactly what happened. Jamie loaded our bags, gave us a tour of all the facilities, and a gorgeous bottle of bubbly was on ice waiting for us. Chatty but not intrusive. Polite and funny. Very professional."
Marrianne Mason · Verified Facebook Review · January 2025
"Reliable, punctual and friendly service. We were going on a 40th birthday trip and all the little extras certainly made it even more memorable. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. First class service."
Kayleigh Smith · Verified Facebook Review · February 2025
— Southend Airport · Your Chauffeur
Travel in Style Essex is not a fleet operation. There is one chauffeur: Jamie Gifford, who founded the service in 2019 and has conducted every journey personally since. When you make an enquiry, you speak to Jamie. When you are collected, it is Jamie at the door.
He holds an advanced RoSPA driving qualification, a clean PCO licence, and a DBS certificate. He drives as he attends to everything else — with composure, without hurry, and with the particular care of someone who takes pride in his work.
"The standard I hold myself to is simple: I ask whether I would be comfortable if the people I most respect could see exactly what I was doing and why. The answer is always yes."
Jamie Gifford · Founder & Chauffeur
— No. 06 · Frequently Asked
— No. 07 · Other Occasions
— Begin
Each engagement begins with a conversation. Reach us by telephone for an immediate response, or submit an enquiry and we will respond within the hour.
